[DML] Re: Headlight switch

["therealdmcvegas" <dmcvegas@xxxxxxx>]

--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "Roland Smith" <roland@xxxx> wrote:
> 
> I have been advised that the headlight switch is not fused and can 
catch on
> fire.
> 
> Is this true:? What happens?
> 
> How is it corrected by owners?
> 
> Roland Smith
> Oakland, California
> Vin #6667

The headlight switch is not fused, no. And all power for the 
clearance lights runs directly thru it. However, many other cars and 
trucks are like this as well. Long story short, you can install a 
relay to protect it. But there is no specific problem with the switch 
itself that should concern you.

Now, for the explanation. The problem is NOT an inherient design flaw 
with the switch, but a problem with how DMC decided to power 10 
lights off of it! (2 front clearance, 4 side indicators, & 2 license 
plate lamps) I have a Dodge pickup with a pull switch, that powers 6 
lamps thru it. And even in my owners manual, it states that if 
anything more than 4 lamps from a trailer are going to be used, you 
need to splice the wires, and install a relay. (2 tail lamps, 2 side 
markers)

Granted, this is apples to oranges, I know. However, it is an example 
of how an auto manufacturer has placed known limits onto it's 
products. Running a stock set up for the Headlight Switch on a 
DeLorean is fine. However, once you increase a load beyond what those 
10 light bulbs generate, you're destined to toast the switch. No, you 
won't be towing a trailer with you're DeLorean. But 24 years of 
corrosion in the light sockets, and on the wiring contacts are all 
gonna add up, and create enough resistance in the circuit to melt the 
internals in that switch. That's the EXACT thing that happened to me.

-Robert
vin 6585 "X" <--At home in warm Vegas, while I freeze in Ohio.








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